Painting Aquarium
- Thread starter dcombs44
- Start date
MrZ
Premium Member
Since it is going on the outside of the tank, and will be well cured before using it, any paint will do.
Good old cheap Krylon has always done the trick for me and has stuck well without peeling or chipping. Very important to clean the pane of glass very well with a good glass cleaner before painting.
Good old cheap Krylon has always done the trick for me and has stuck well without peeling or chipping. Very important to clean the pane of glass very well with a good glass cleaner before painting.
CoolUsername
New member
Yep. There is one problem with painting glass. It isn't that durable. If you plan on using your magnafloat over it (to clean the back glass) or working back there alot, plan on attaching some other layer on the outside to protect it. 1/8" acryllic from home depot and lowes will work. Both carry it and it will run around $12 for a 24x48 sheet. Then the paint will be protected from abrasions. You could even use a piece of cardboard or cardstock and replace it if it gets wet.
A side note why not paint the acrylic and just place it up against the glass? There would be the advantage of not having done something permanent to your tank but, It will not look the same! Since there is a layer of air (however thin) between the glass and the acryllic sheet it will create a defraction zone that will reflect light like a regular mirror Straight on the color will come through, but at a certain angle off of center the back glass will turn shiny and you'll loose the color and the effect. I tried it both ways. I much prefer the glass painted. But I've also had it chip so now I protect it and get the best of both worlds.
A side note why not paint the acrylic and just place it up against the glass? There would be the advantage of not having done something permanent to your tank but, It will not look the same! Since there is a layer of air (however thin) between the glass and the acryllic sheet it will create a defraction zone that will reflect light like a regular mirror Straight on the color will come through, but at a certain angle off of center the back glass will turn shiny and you'll loose the color and the effect. I tried it both ways. I much prefer the glass painted. But I've also had it chip so now I protect it and get the best of both worlds.
